Are You Still Sending Up Smoke Signals?

The ability to communicate through fire, smoke signals and even horn sounds was often a matter of life or death in prehistoric times. We may have more sophisticated means through which to deliver information today, but it still comes down to the same thing: the ability to communicate is critically important. And yet many organizations still remain in the dark ages regarding how they communicate with their constituents. Which begs the question: How do you measure up?

From Pigeon Post to Pinterest

Back when you couldn’t just tap your smartphone to check in, sending up a smoke signal was an effective way to indicate safety or indicate a location. As humans evolved, so did the means through which we communicate, with everything from pigeon post and acoustic phonographs to email, instant messaging and social media coming into play.

While these improved methods of communication have certainly made our world more convenient, they also have the ability to enhance everything from safety to business continuity—particularly when you factor in one recent, game-changing development: The arrival of mobile on the scene.

The Mobile Mandate

Wireless technology has not only changed how we communicate, but also when we communicate. With devices—and the messages they convey—literally at our fingertips, the expectation is higher than ever for organizations to deliver fast, efficient, accurate, and comprehensive information.

Whether you’re spreading the word about an upcoming event or reaching out to team members in an emergency situation, harnessing the full power of this technology not only ensures that your message is heard, but also strengthens your connections and builds constituent loyalty—whenever and wherever. And while we can’t know for certain what’s coming next, we do know that mobile will be a big part of it.

Certainly, these technologies are fascinating to revisit as well as a testament to the ingenuity of those who went before. But they’re also an example of how quickly things change—and why keeping up with these changes can mean the difference between extinction and excellence in today’s fast-paced world.